(a)distances of over 3 miles being expressed in miles to the nearest mile;

(b)distances of ½ mile or more but less than 3 miles being expressed to the nearest ¼ mile with the fractions ¾, ½ and ¼ being used; and

(c)distances of less than ½ mile being expressed in yards to the nearest 10 yards other than on the signs shown in diagrams 7012 and 7015, “yards” or the abbreviation “yds ”may be used interchangeably.

(2) Where a sign includes a distance expressed in miles, “mile” as shown in diagram 2303, “miles” as shown in diagram 2316 or the distance on its own as shown in diagram 2202 shall be used as appropriate.

(3) Where a sign includes distances expressed in both miles and yards, the abbreviation “m” shall be used to indicate those distances expressed in miles.

*The arrow in the upper sign panel shall point upwards to the left at an appropriate angle. The arrow in the lower sign panel shall point vertically upwards or point upwards to the right at an appropriate angle.

(1) Place names, other destinations or junction names may be varied, omitted or added. “City centre”, “Town centre”, “Village centre”, “Village only”, “Other routes”, “Other traffic”, “Through traffic” or “Ring road” may be substituted for the destination. The phrases “via toll road”, “via toll”, “via tunnel”, “via ferry”, “via” and the name of a destination or a route number, “Byway to” and “Single track road” may be used in addition to the destination.

(2) “city centre”, “town centre”, “village”, “village only” or “village centre” may be added after the place name. “only” may be added after the place name or other destination.

(3) A compass point (“North”, “South”, “East” or “West”), an abbreviated compass point (“N”, “S”, “E”, “W”, “NW”, “NE”, “SW” or “SE”), or “Central” or “C” (meaning “Central”) may be added in brackets after the place name.

*Brackets may be omitted from identification numbers of routes and any associated compass points to which a particular route leads other than a motorway. The compass point only may be included in brackets. The compass points “North West”, “North East”, “South West” and “South East” other than indicating a motorway may be shown as appropriate.

**Identification numbers of routes to which a particular route leads need not be shown in brackets. Compass points need not be shown in brackets.

(1) Identification numbers of routes may be added, varied or omitted as appropriate.

(2) A compass point (“North”, “South”, “East” or “West”) or an abbreviated compass point (“N”, “S”, “E”, “W”, “NW”, “NE”, “SW” or “SE”) may be added to the route number, shown in brackets in the same colour as the route number, or varied or omitted.

(3) Identification numbers of routes to which a particular route leads shall be shown in brackets. A compass point may be added alongside the number within the same pair of brackets in the manner shown in diagram 2020.

(4) Superseded route numbers may be retained provided they are cancelled with a diagonal red bar.

(5) Any motorway junction numbers may be varied or omitted. The junction number may be shown in either the bottom left hand or top left hand corner of a sign or sign assembly on a motorway.

(6) The emergency diversion route symbols shown in Part VII of Schedule 13 may be added or omitted from a diagram where shown.

(1) Where a route leads directly onto a motorway, the motorway route number, destinations and motorway symbol shall be shown in white on a blue panel and the motorway junction number may be shown in white on a black patch on the blue panel in the manner shown in diagrams 2023 and 2104. The blue panel shall have a white border when placed on a green background.

(2) Where the route leads indirectly to a motorway, the motorway route number, with or without a compass point (“North”, “South”, “East” or “West”) or an abbreviated compass point (“N”, “S”, “E”, “W”, “NW”, “NE”, “SW” or “SE”), shall be shown in brackets in white on a blue patch. The blue patch shall have a white border when placed on a green, brown or black background.

#Where the exit at a junction leads directly to both a primary and a non-primary route permitted variant (1) shall apply in respect of the primary route only. The destination and route number of the non-primary route shall be placed on the white background of the sign.

##When indicating a route other than a motorway.

(1) Where a route leads directly onto a primary route, the destinations shall appear in white letters and the route number in yellow both on a green panel. The green panel shall have a white border when placed on a blue background.

(2) Where a route leads indirectly to a primary route, the route number with or without a compass point (“North”, “South”, “East” or “West”) or an abbreviated compass point (“N”, “S”, “E”, “W”, “NW”, “NE”, “SW” or “SE”) shall be shown in brackets in yellow on a green patch. Where the route number of the primary route has the same route number as the non-primary route to be followed from the junction ahead, the number shall be shown on the green patch without any brackets. The green patch shall have a white border when placed on a black background.

*Permitted variant does not apply in respect of an exit or traffic lane at a junction that leads directly to both a primary and a non-primary route.

#When indicating a route other than a motorway.

Where a route leads directly onto a non-primary route, the destination, and route number if appropriate, shall appear in black letters on a white panel. Where that route leads indirectly to a primary route, the route number with or without a compass point (“North”, “South”, “East” or “West”) or an abbreviated compass point (“N”, “S”, “E”, “W”, “NW”, “NE”, “SW” or “SE”) shall be shown in brackets in yellow on a green patch on the white panel. Where the route number of the primary route has the same route number as the non-primary route to be followed from the junction ahead, the number shall be shown on the green patch without any brackets.

A symbol shown in Schedule 14 or other approved symbol, or the name of a tourist destination, or such a symbol and such a name together may be shown in white on a brown panel. In the case of the symbols shown in diagrams T6 (caravan site or park), T7 (camping site or park), T10 (light refreshment facilities), T11 (restaurant) and T12 (hotel or other overnight accommodation) a generic description of the facilities may be substituted for the name. The direction in which the symbol faces and the relative positions of the symbol and name shall be reversed as necessary. The brown panel shall have a white border when placed on a green or blue background. A brown panel may be omitted from a diagram on which it is shown.

(1) The white lorry symbol shown in diagram 2805 may be incorporated on a black panel to indicate a route recommended for goods vehicles.

(2) The lorry symbol may be reversed. The black panel may include (a) one or more destinations in the manner shown in diagram 2007; (b) one or more route numbers in the manner shown in diagram 2805 and as indicated in item 4 of the table below that diagram.

(3) The black panel shall have a white border when placed on a green or blue background.

Directions to a Ministry of Defence establishment may be shown, with destinations appearing in black letters on a white panel with a red border as shown in diagram 2113. There shall be a white rim round the red border when the panel is placed on a green or blue background. A white panel may be omitted from a diagram on which it is shown.

A route recommended for pedal cyclists may be shown, with destinations appearing in white letters together with a white cycle symbol on a blue panel (as shown in diagram 2105.1 or 2106.1 but with or without a route number). The blue panel shall have a white border when placed on a green background. A blue panel may be omitted from a diagram on which it is shown.

The symbol shall be reversed where appropriate. Where a bus symbol faces left a door shall be shown at the front of that side; when the symbol is reversed to face right a window shall be substituted for the door.

The aircraft symbol shown in diagram 2011 may be incorporated either with or without the name of an airport. The direction in which the symbol points may be varied, but it shall not point downwards. The symbol shall be coloured white when placed on a green or blue background and be coloured black when placed on a white or yellow background. The symbol may be omitted from a diagram on which it is shown.

(2) Where a bus symbol faces left a door shall be shown at the front of that side; when the symbol is reversed to face right a window shall be substituted for the door.

(3) A white border shall be added around the red triangle or roundel and the black border omitted from the plate shown in diagram 572 when the symbol or plate is placed on a green, brown or blue background on that part of the sign. Such a sign may be omitted from a diagram where it is shown.

(4) The size of lettering on a sign shown in Schedule 7 Part II shall be as shown in diagram 2027, 2107 or 2108 as appropriate when a sign, symbol or plate is incorporated.

(5) The red bar shown in diagram 816 may be incorporated as a symbol. A white border shall be added around the bar when placed on a sign with a green, blue or brown background.

(1) Any of the following legends may be incorporated to indicate a road where a sign to diagram 820 has been placed—

“unsuitable for heavy goods vehicles”;

“unsuitable for HGVs;”;

“unsuitable for long vehicles”;

“unsuitable for wide vehicles”;

“unsuitable for buses”;

“unsuitable for caravans”;

“unsuitable for trailers”;

“unsuitable for articulated vehicles”.

(2) Any of the following legends may be incorporated to show the route avoiding a hazard or prohibition indicated by the appropriate symbol referred to in item 31; avoiding a particular route; or avoiding a road where a sign to diagram 820 has been placed—

“avoiding steep hill”;

“avoiding swing bridge”;

“avoiding lifting bridge”;

“avoiding low bridge”;

“avoiding weak bridge”;

“avoiding ford”;

“avoiding gated road”;

“avoiding toll road”;

“avoiding tunnel”;

“avoiding town centre”;

“avoiding level crossing”;

“avoiding” plus a place name or other destination;

“alternative route”;

“alternative route for goods vehicles”;

“alternative route for light vehicles only”;

“alternative route for heavy vehicles”;

“alternative route for HGVs”;

“alternative route for high vehicles”;

“alternative route for long vehicles”;

“alternative route for wide vehicles”;

“alternative route for buses”;

“alternative route for caravans”;

“alternative route for trailers”;

“alternative route for articulated vehicles”;

“alternative route for prohibited vehicles”;

“route for goods vehicles”;

“route for non-motorway traffic”.

(3) The size of lettering on a sign shown in Schedule 7 Part II shall be as shown in diagram 2108 or 2132 as appropriate.

(1) The symbol denoting the type of tourist destination may be omitted or varied to one of the symbols shown in Schedule 14 or other approved symbol, except that the symbols shown in diagrams T4 (picnic area), T5 (youth hostel), T6 (caravan site or park) and T7 (camping site or park), T10 (light refreshment facilities), T11 (restaurant) and T12 (hotel or other overnight accommodation) shall not be used on a motorway.

(2) A symbol shown in Schedule 14 or other approved symbol denoting the type of tourist destination may be added where not shown in the diagram.

**In respect of symbol No. 1 and 10 only except when indicating a route other than a motorway.

The following symbols (shown in the manner specified) may be added or omitted as appropriate—

The white on red double arrow symbol indicating a railway station shown in diagram 2134. A white border shall be added around the symbol when placed on a green, brown, blue or black background on that part of the sign;

The red circle and blue crossbar indicating a London Underground railway station shown in diagram 2133 or the red circle and red crossbar indicating a bus station or bus stop serving buses operated by or on behalf of or under agreement with Transport for London and shown in diagram 973.2. The symbols shall be shown on a white rectangular patch when placed on a green, brown, blue or black background on that part of the sign. Signs indicating bus stops referred to above may additionally show a bus stop code letter in white on a red circle. The red circle shall have a white border when placed on a green, brown, blue or black background on that part of the sign;

A symbol or logo representing a stopping place for tramcars or vehicles forming part of a light railway transit system, or boarding place for river services, each being operated by or on behalf of or under agreement with Transport for London. A white border or rectangular patch may be used to ensure adequate contrast between the colour of the symbol or logo and the background on that part of the sign;

A symbol representing a Passenger Transport Executive. Where necessary a white border or rectangular patch may be used to ensure adequate contrast between the colour of the symbol and the background on that part of the sign;

The parking symbol shown in diagram 2505 including any of the permitted variants indicated in item 4 in the box below that diagram. The parking symbol and any associated legend and symbol shall be shown on a white panel when placed on a green or brown background on that part of the sign. Where the parking symbol is shown by itself a white border shall be added when placed on a green or brown background on that part of the sign;

The telephone symbol shown in diagram 2322. The symbol shall be coloured black when placed on a white or yellow background and be coloured white when placed on a green, brown, blue or black background on that part of the sign. The symbol shall be reversed where appropriate. The legend “Payphone” or “Cardphone” may be added;

The disabled person symbol shown in diagram 2310.1. The symbol shall be shown on a black rectangle when placed on a white or yellow background on that part of the sign. The symbol shall be reversed where appropriate;

The “WC” symbol denoting toilets shown in diagram 2323. The symbol shall be coloured black when placed on a white or yellow background and be coloured white when placed on a green, brown, blue or black background on that part of the sign;

The “H” symbol and associated plate denoting hospital shown in diagram 2113; “A & E” may be varied to “Minor injury unit”; “not 24 hrs” may be added to the plate. The legend on the plate may be varied to “No A&E” in which case the background colour of both the “H” symbol and the plate shall be blue. The associated plate may be placed either below or to the right of the “H” symbol. The “H” symbol may be omitted when “A&E” is varied to “Minor injury unit”. A white border shall be added around both the “H” symbol and the associated plate when placed on a green or black background on that part of the sign;

The ferry boat symbol shown in diagram 2007 or 2120 as appropriate. The rear car symbol may be varied to the lorry symbol. The two car symbols may be omitted and either two lorry symbols or the legend “Pedestrian ferry” added on the boat symbol. The symbol shall be coloured black with white vehicles or legend when placed on a white or yellow background and be coloured white with black vehicles or legend when placed on a green, brown, blue or black background on that part of the sign. The name of the ferry or quay may be added above the boat symbol. The car and lorry symbols shall be reversed where appropriate with the lorry symbol to the rear of the car symbol;

The white on blue “Park and Ride” symbol with the words “Park and Ride” as shown in diagram 2503 or as varied as indicated in item 4 in the box below that diagram, but without an arrow and without the indication of a distance. The symbol and its associated legend shall be shown in a white panel when placed on a green or brown background on that part of the sign;

The symbol for a recycling centre shown in diagram 2139. The symbol shall be shown on a white rectangular patch when placed on a green, brown, blue or black background on that part of the sign;

The symbol for “Shopmobility” on a black patch and the word “Shopmobility” as shown in diagrams 2137 and 2137.1. The word “Shopmobility” may be centred below the symbol. The black patch shall be omitted and the white symbol placed directly on that part of the sign with a green background with the word “Shopmobility” in white letters.

(1) Where a route leads to a motorway service area, access to which is reached from a primary route or a non-primary route, the legend “Services” or a geographical name and “services” shall be shown on a blue panel. The blue panel shall have a white border when placed on a green background.

(2) Where a route leads to services indicated by a sign shown in diagram 2313.1, 2313.3 or 2313.5, the legend “Services” or a geographical name and “services” shall be shown on a white panel.

Where the sign is situated at or near the boundary of a town, village or suburb, the name alone of that town, village or suburb may be indicated in a panel at the top of the sign as shown in diagram 2007, provided that a junction name is not shown. Where the sign is not on a primary route the name shall be in black capital letters on a white background.

(1) References to a time limit, the time of day, the day of the week, the month of the year, or the year may be added, varied or omitted as appropriate. References to bank or public holidays may be included.

(2) Where a diagram in column (2) is marked with an asterisk the time of the day may be expressed by the phrase “At any time” or “at any time”, as appropriate. Where such a phrase is shown in the diagram, this may be varied to any other time of day.

(1) Diagrams 7285 and 7286 may be incorporated or omitted as appropriate.

(2) The legend “only” may be shown below the route number in the size and manner shown in diagram 7230.

(3) Two or more adjacent lanes may have a common route number, with or without the legend “only” alongside; the route number being placed above a horizontal bar, which in turn is placed above any other incorporated diagram (7280 to 7284.1) in the manner shown in diagram 7201.

Options/Help

Print Options

Print The Whole Instrument

Print This Schedule only

Legislation is available in different versions:

Latest Available (revised):The latest available updated version of the legislation incorporating changes made by subsequent legislation and applied by our editorial team. Changes we have not yet applied to the text, can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area.

Original (As Enacted or Made):The original version of the legislation as it stood when it was enacted or made. No changes have been applied to the text.

Opening Options

Different options to open legislation in order to view more content on screen at once

More Resources

Access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item from this tab. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:

the original print PDF of the as enacted version that was used for the print copy

lists of changes made by and/or affecting this legislation item

confers power and blanket amendment details

all formats of all associated documents

correction slips

links to related legislation and further information resources

More Resources

Use this menu to access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:

the original print PDF of the as made version that was used for the print copy